About this collection

Collection provided by: Illinois State Library

On December 7, 1941 Japan bombed the American Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor, prompting the United States to declare war on Japan. Although Illinois was divided on the issue of war or peace prior to December 7, the attack on Pearl Harbor caused a united front to form. While Springfield (the state capital) claimed to be the “heart of the nation” – not only geographically, but spiritually as well, the Illinois State Register (Springfield) reminded the citizens of its place as the “focal and central point in the State and Nation,” and called for a renewed sense of civic responsibility. Governor Dwight Green called for volunteers for defense and war services – the citizens responded, in fact the young men of Illinois crowded recruiting stations in such great numbers that they were forced to stay open twenty-four hours a day. In a telegram to President Roosevelt, Governor Green pledged the full support of the people and resources of Illinois.

This collection contains United States and Illinois government documents on subjects relating to World War II, including: rationing and conservation, women's work, civil defense, the Japanese interment, the development of the United Nations, and more.